Published: Friday, 17th July, 2009 1:42pm

Farm boss whisks up some goodwill

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GLENRATH Farms boss John Campbell has laid on an eggs-tra special surprise for a local pet owner.

As reported in last week’s Peeblesshire News, Jane Gaston, of West Linton, awoke on July 3 to find sly-as-a-fox thieves had made off with not just her prized pet chickens but their coop, feeder and electric fencing kit too!

And all the hospital nurse had left to remember Harriet, Hannah and Hettie by was one huge egg.

Jane had only constructed the chicken coop at her West Linton home the previous day, after taking delivery of £600 worth of equipment from the internet.

She said at the time: “This is both bizarre and distressing. I really couldn’t believe it when I saw everything gone like that.

“I wouldn’t care if they had left the hens and just taken the rest of the gear.

However on Monday morning, the 50-year old, who was trying to produce all her own food, awoke to find another surprise awaited her.

Egg tycoon John Campbell, whose company is the largest producer of eggs in the UK, packing an astounding one point three million a day for supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda, had arranged for five of his own chickens to be delivered to reignite Jane’s dreams of the good life.

She said: “I’m delighted to have gotten these chickens from Mr Campbell. It came as a real surprise.

“They’re all about 20 weeks old and fit and healthy. I’m keeping them in a rabbit hutch nearer the house so that I can keep a close eye on them.

“I’m down a little in terms of the equipment and money but I’ve got two more chickens. That’s more eggs so It’s not all bad.”

John Campbell said: “It struck me as a most unusual theft and I’m glad I can help her out. I’ve got more than enough chickens of my own.”

Lothian and Borders Police are continuing with their enquiries into the theft of Jane’s three hens.

Anyone with any information should contact Peebles Police.